Rodman costs Brighton victory and a fine

The Brighton Bears' decision to play Dennis Rodman in the 91-88 home win over Guildford Heat at Burgess Hill last month has cost them the game.

Despite warnings from the British Basketball League, Brighton refused to leave out one of their three other work-permit players to make way for Rodman and the BBL awarded the game 20-0 to the Heat for the Bears' breach of eligibility rules.

Guildford thus move above Brighton in the table to sixth. Brighton were also fined an unspecified sum, docked an additional league point and warned about their conduct.

The BBL has also taken action against the club for failing to provide Guildford with their full ticket allocation for the game.

In a statement the BBL said: "Whilst the BBL were delighted to see that Dennis Rodman took part in BBL Competitions and that UK fans have had the opportunity to see him play they will not tolerate a clear breach of BBL Regulations."